Bone sarcomas are the fourth most common cancer in individuals under 25 years. Limb salvage
procedures have become increasingly popular for the treatment of osteosarcomas as they have
functional and psychological benefits over traditional amputative procedures. The purpose of this paper
was to evaluate kinematic and kinetic characteristics of patient's post-limb salvage and examine key
predictive factors of gait dysfunction. A retrospective outcome studywas undertaken on 20 limb salvage
patients (10,, 10&lt;) recruited from the Queensland Bone Tumour Registry. Kinematic and kinetic data
were collected using a 3D motional analysis system and three force platforms. Loading response knee
flexion in the affected lower limb was reduced compared to the unaffected lower limb (P &lt; 0.001) and
the control group (P &lt; 0.001), although, closer examination of results showed two contrasting patterns
of knee flexion during loading. Multiple regression analysis showed that muscular integrity (i.e. strength,
ROM and residual mass) was the most predictive factor of function following limb salvage surgery.
ANOVA showed that patients treated with the Stanmore SIMLESTM prostheses exhibited superior torque
and power production at the ankle during late stance compared to those treated with the Stryker HMRS.
In summary, the results showed that limb salvage patients adopted a gait pattern that reduced the
moment demand at the knee and hip, suggesting a compensation for pain, reduced stability and/or
muscle weakness.